Terminology Guide - Lingerie

Bras

1/4 Cup Bra Underwire balconette style which is ideal for very low-cut necklines. The cup does not cover the bust as the name suggests but acts as a prop to give support while allowing the bust to sit naturally. The straps are placed to the side of the cup that is ideal for wider necklines also. 1/2 cup Bra = Balconette Bra This is underwire and can either be padded or sheer and ideal for low-cut apparel. There is a "balcony" effect with the bust propped up to accentuate the bustline. The straps are placed to the side of the cup that is ideal for wider necklines also. Padded Bra Most bra cups may be padded with either foam, air pockets or liquid pockets that may sometimes be removed or inserted. Depending on the style of the cup accentuation occurs in different areas of the bustline. Push-up Bra = American Push-up Bra Underwire ¾ cups that are padded with foam inserts that may sometimes depending on the style be removed or inserted. This style accentuates the bustline to form a central cleavage. Triangle Bra Not underwire usually and a soft cup. Triangle in shape but not necessarily covering all the bust. Very popular in the '70s and now a fashion staple in many ranges. Not particularly supportive and recommended more for the smaller bust or breast augmentation. The straps are located centrally at the top of the triangle. Strapless Bra Usually available with removable straps, generally underwire and lined with silicon to avoid slipping when worn strapless. May be moulded, padded or non-padded and always ½ cup or bandeau in construction. If worn with straps these are placed to the side of the cup that is ideal for wider necklines also. 3/4 cup Bra This is underwire and a little fuller than a ½ cup and less full than a full cup. It gives more support and coverage than the ½ cup and less support and coverage than the full cup. This may be padded to form the American Push-up style or left unpadded. The straps are placed to the side of the cup making it ideal for wider necklines. Sweater Bra = T-shirt Bra = Pre-formed Bra = Seamless Bra Seamless cups that have been formed and moulded during manufacture with heat and special moulds. They may be then padded or not, underwire or soft. The straps are located in accordance to the shape of the style. Ideal for tight fitting attire as this style is virtually invisible. Full cup Bra = Wire Bra = Classic Bra Usually underwire universal style that is very supportive. It covers most of the bust and forms a large triangle shape with the straps centrally located at the top of the triangle. Generally worn by a more mature age clientele and those requiring more support and coverage. Bandeau Bra A strapless style of bra that may have fixed or detachable straps. May be lined with silicon for comfort and functionality if worn strapless. A "boob tube" shape that is not particularly supportive for the well endowed and suitable for the smaller bust. If worn with straps these are placed to the side of the cup that is ideal for wider necklines also. Generally not padded and may or may not be underwire. Fluid Bra = Gel Bra The biggest invention in the corsetry world in modern times. Underwire ¾ cups that are filled with a fluid to give the wearer more cleavage in the centre of the bustline. Fluid pockets may in some styles be removed and inserted. Air Bra The biggest invention in the corsetry world in modern times. Underwire ¾ cups that are filled with air to give the wearer more cleavage in the centre of the bustline. Air pockets may in some styles be removed and inserted. Long-Line Bra Slightly more fabric runs along the bottom edge of the bra under the wire forming a mini-bustier shape. May be available in most bra shapes with the strap placement in accordance to the cup style. Halter-Neck Bra Bra shoulder straps are adjusted or fixed around the neck clearing the shoulders of any shoulder straps. Convertible Bra Usually underwire with removable and adjustable shoulder straps which enable the wearer to convert the traditional bra style to various other styles eg. Halter-Neck Bra, Low-Back Bra, X-Back Bra etc. Moulded Bra Bra cups that are firmer. This may be obtained by heat setting the fabric onto a preformed cup base when made. There are a multitude of finishes. Bras may be seamed or seamless, use decorative or plain fabrics and this style is applicable to various cup shapes. The straps are located in accordance to the style. Soft Bra = Non-Underwire Bra No underwire present and a universal style that is not particularly common these days. The style is very similar to a Full Cup Bra with the underwire removed. It covers most of the bust and forms a large triangle shape with the straps centrally located at the top of the triangle. Generally the term soft cup refers to a bra without any underwire.

Bodysuit

Bodysuit An alternative to the two piece bra and brief combination, the bodysuit is all-in-one. A variety of cup styles and back styles are available. Traditionally created as lingerie but with embellishments or different fabrics may be worn as outerwear. The bodysuit is a close-fitted teddy. Often mistakenly called a 'teddy' that is loose fitting.

Bustiers

Bustier = Basque A shorter length corset that finishes at the waist and may be worn with or without shoulder straps. Generally not full in the cup and either underwire ½ or ¾ cup. The back of the bustier usually fastens with hooks and eyes or cord. There is either central or side boning giving a smooth silhouette. Bustiers may be worn as lingerie or embellished for outerwear.

Briefs

Bikini A classic panty with covered back. Hipster Bikini A classic panty with covered back that sits low on the hips below the navel. Ideal for low-sitting trousers and skirts. Brazilian Bikini Depending on the brand this style may vary immensely. E.g. Aubade's Brazilian Bikini is a classic panty with a plain fabric back (see photo) whereas La Perla's Brazilian Bikini is a smaller panty sitting lower on the hip with a narrow fabric back. Italian Bikini This is a decorative-back panty that is intricately embellished or a continuation of the exquisite fabric that is featured on the front. This is usually the more expensive bikini style available. Tie-side Bikini A classic panty with covered back with narrow spaghetti-strap sides that are tied. Spaghetti Bikini A classic panty with covered back with narrow spaghetti-strap sides. Full Brief A fuller style of panty that is wider on the hip and buttock area and not usually very high cut on the leg. Often preferred by the more mature aged woman or larger sizes. This style is usually more supportive than other styles and is recently evolving with more seductive and luxurious fabrics and embroidered tulles being used. Support Brief = Control Brief A fuller style of panty similar in style to the Full Brief consisting of a more rigid and less elasticised fabric that in some styles is re-enforced around the stomach area. Suitable for the fuller figure and preferred by the mature aged woman wishing to streamline their figure.

Corsets

Corset = Corselet = Torselet = Merrywidow = Guepiere = Wasp A long-line boned bustier that finishes below the waist with suspender straps. This is very flattering to most figure types offering a streamline silhouette. Fastened from the back commonly with hooks and eyes or cord. Corsets may be worn as lingerie or embellished for outerwear.

French Knickers

French Knicker = Culotte = Tap Pant = Boxer The French Knicker traditionally is a loose fitted short made from a luxurious silk satin. Nowadays it has evolved into tight fitted items of seduction that cover the whole buttock area.

G-Strings

G-string = Thong One of the most popular inventions in the corsetry world in modern times. Developed with the aim of abolishing visible panty lines through clothing, this panty does not cover the buttock at all and is cut to the minimum at the back. The traditional G-string style is continually evolving. Spaghetti G-string A G-string style with tiny mini spaghetti strap sides and back. G-string/Culotte = G/Culotte A more seductive culotte pant that looks like a traditional culotte at the front and then at the back it tapers up the buttock region exposing some of the flesh. Very cheeky and extremely popular. Tie-side G-string A G-string with narrow spaghetti-strap sides that are tied. G-string/Skirt = G/Skirt A short skirt with a G-string sewn in at the waistband. This piece is a seductive garment and without much practicality.

Garters

Garter This is a decorative accessory that is synonymous with brides that is thrown away at weddings. Usually consisting of embellished elasticised ribbon that snuggles the top thigh. Usually sold as a separate item and not in pairs. Garter Belt = Suspender Belt A seductive piece of lingerie with the function of holding up stockings. It sits on the waist and traditionally consists of 4 tabs to attach to stockings. The longer the line of the belt the more flattering to the fuller figure and the smaller the belt less coverage and possible lines showing through clothes.

Shorts

Boyleg = Short A tight fitting short that has a full back. Hipster Short A tight fitting Short that has a full back that is low-cut and worn below the navel. Ideal for low-cut trousers and skirts. Boxer Short The French Knicker traditionally is a loose fitted short made from a luxurious silk satin. Nowadays it has evolved into tight fitted items of seduction that cover the whole buttock area.

Suspender Belts

Suspender Belt = Garter Belt A seductive piece of lingerie with the function of holding up stockings. It sits on the waist and traditionally consists of 4 tabs to attach to stockings. The longer the line of the belt the more flattering to the fuller figure and the smaller the belt less coverage and possible lines showing through clothes.

Teddy

Teddy A loose-fitting bodysuit style that is worn either to bed or under clothing as outerwear. The primary fabric choice, silk satin. It is similar to a Camisole and French Knicker all-in-one combination that usually has an elasticised waist and was very popular in the '80s. Often mistakenly called a 'bodysuit' which is tight fitting.

Tops

Camisole Either a loose or fitted top with either spaghetti or wider shoulder strap. Very popular in the '80s and sold with matching French Knickers. The choice fabric is pure silk and this item may be worn to bed or under clothing as outerwear. Either plain or embellished with lace or embroidery. Singlet This snug fitted fine knitted top is usually sleeveless however also available with short and long sleeves. Originally an underwear staple nowadays it is also worn as outerwear. Spencer Traditionally thermal underwear consisting of wool and wool/silk fibre combinations. This snug fitting fine knitted top is available in either sleeveless, short or long sleeves.

Waistcinchers

Waistcincher A seductive piece of lingerie with the function of holding up stockings. It sits on the waist and traditionally consists of 4 tabs to attach to stockings. This style is the widest of Suspender Belt styles with a wider waistband than the classic traditional style. Very flattering for most figures with a streamlined silhouette.